Assignment
This is an excellent exercise to get students thinking about the relationship of human resource
management to their chosen majors and subsequent career paths. Many students will not have
considered human resource management as a career option. Students should be encouraged to explain
their answers to the exercise questions by using information about the field of human resource
management from Chapter 1.
This exercise will take 50 to 90 minutes, depending on the amount of class time that the instructor is
able or willing to devote to it. The instructor should tell the class that the amount of time for this
exercise is limited. Groups should be made aware of the amount of time allotted to each step and should
be encouraged to allow each group member a fair chance to provide input.
Step 1 (5 minutes): The instructor should divide the class into groups of four to five members.
Members should introduce themselves to one another if necessary.
Step 2 (5 minutes): Each group member should write his or her major and career objectives on a sheet
of paper. These sheets should then be placed in a central location so that all group members can view
them.
Step 3 (15 to 30 minutes): Groups should then respond to each of the questions provided in the
exercise. The exercise will be more effective if adequate time is allotted for group discussion during
this step.
1.

How does HRM affect each academic major and set of career objectives represented in the
group?
Human resource management affects each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic major and set of career objectives
in that human resource management applies to any job in any organization. The design of human
resource practices such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, performance appraisal, or labor
relations may differ according to the type of organization and type of job. However, the fact
remains that all employees experience and are influenced by human resource management.

2.

How would group members feel about starting their careers in a human resource department?
Answers will vary. Students may find human resource management very appealing or not at all
appealing. They have very little information at this point about entry-level human resource
positions on which to base their opinions. They may find they have more questions than definite
answers this early in the course.

3.

How would group members feel about taking a position in human resources later in their
careers?
Answers will vary. Students may cite the increasing importance and strategic role of human
resource management, which may make human resource management as a later career choice
more exciting and interesting to consider.

4.

What specific skills and abilities do group members believe are most important for someone who
wants to work in human resources?
Answers will vary. Students may cite skills and abilities such as a degree in human resource
management, familiarity with human resource managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body of knowledge, managerial
skills, understanding the various functional areas, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.

5.

What will group members expect from the human resource department at the organization where
they begin their careers?

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